Food waste collection schemes across England have descended into disorder 100 days after new household waste rules came into force, with residents reporting missed collections, foul-smelling bins and what some have called a "maggot apocalypse" during hot weather. The rules, which took effect on 31 March, were intended to standardise recycling and waste collection nationwide, but roughly one in four councils were not ready to deliver the service and delayed their rollout. The disruption matters because it has left uncollected food waste rotting on streets during a period of record heat, prompting complaints that the new policies are "farcical".

Under the changes, first announced in 2024, households must separate rubbish into up to four bins: one for food and garden waste, one for paper and card, one for dry recyclables such as glass, metal and plastics, and one for general non-recyclable rubbish. The reforms also introduced weekly food waste collections, though about half of councils were not collecting food waste weekly beforehand and have struggled to establish the new schemes. Record-breaking temperatures in May and June, followed by an ongoing July heatwave, have worsened the stench from uncollected waste, while some collection times have changed. Where collections are missed and bins overflow, some councils have advised residents to place extra food in general waste bins for a later pick-up.